TWO men have been arrested following reports of homophobic abuse during Basingstoke's first Pride.

The arrests were made at around 12.30pm this afternoon, Wednesday, August 21, outside Dursun Turkish Barber Shop on Church Street.

Two men, aged 18 and 29, were arrested on suspicion of using threatening, abusive and insulting words and behaviour to cause harassment, alarm and distress.

Both remain in custody as investigations continue.

READ MORE: PHOTOS: Man arrested outside Turkish Barber shop in Basingstoke

The incident happened on Church Street between 12pm and 1.15pm on Saturday, 17 August, during Basingstoke's first Pride parade march, which travelled down the same road. 

Police have called it a hate crime.

A spokesperson for Hampshire Constabulary said: "Officers investigating reports of a hate crime-related incident in Basingstoke have arrested two men.

"We received reports that a number of people were subjected to homophobic abuse on Church Street between 12pm and 1.15pm on Saturday 17 August.

"Officers launched an investigation and have now arrested two men.

"A 24-year-old man and a 29-year-old man have been arrested on suspicion of using threatening / abusive / insulting words / behaviour to cause harassment / alarm / distress.

"They remain in custody while our enquiries continue."